How to Calculate Topsoil, Dirt, and Gravel Volumes
Estimating your volume of landscaping aggregate or soil requires calculating the total square footage first, and then converting it using a depth divider. Since bulk yards are sold by the cubic yard ($yd^3$) and bag volumes are sold by weight or cubic feet, conversions can get confusing.
Material Density & Weight Chart
Aggregates and topsoils have different densities. Below are standard guidelines to help estimate weight load requirements:
| Material | Density (Tons per Yard) | Density (Lbs per Yard) |
|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | 1.40 tons | 2,800 lbs |
| Sand | 1.35 tons | 2,700 lbs |
| Crushed Stone | 1.25 tons | 2,500 lbs |
| Topsoil | 1.00 tons | 2,000 lbs |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how much dirt, topsoil, or gravel I need?
Measure the length and width of your area in feet, and the desired depth in inches. Multiply length by width by (depth / 12) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to find the required cubic yards. Multiply yards by the material's density (typically 1.0 for topsoil, 1.4 for gravel) to find weight in tons.
How much weight does a cubic yard of topsoil weigh?
A standard cubic yard of dry topsoil weighs approximately 2,000 lbs (1.0 ton). Wet topsoil or gravel mixes can weigh up to 2,800 lbs (1.4 tons) per cubic yard.
How many bags of soil are in a cubic yard?
A standard 2 cubic foot bag covers 0.074 cubic yards. You will need 13.5 bags of 2 cubic feet volume to make up 1 cubic yard of material.